Van Aken Redevelopment: Chronology of Change

The development phase of the Van Aken District has begun, thanks to years of thoughtful planning and months of roadwork and infrastructure improvements. This page provides a glimpse of where we've been and what's coming next.

Stay Up-to-Date

Learning more about the history and current status of the project is easy:

Sign up now for Van Aken on Track and receive email updates about the Van Aken District redevelopment.

Visit The Van Aken District to learn more about the project’s plans and progress from developer, RMS Corporation.

See the Pictures of Progress – watch a series of videos to learn more about the project's vision, construction at the Chagrin-Warrensville Center intersection, and area stakeholders. Also, read about the retail and restaurant players who will call the Van Aken District home.

2016: Work begins on the Connections Plan for the Van Aken District. Demolition on Van Aken Center begins in summer, with several of its tenants moving across the street to Shaker Plaza. In July, RMS Corp. announces Beard Award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer will curate and oversee the Van Aken District food and beverage menu. Sawyer also will open a restaurant in the District. Also, ABA Insurance Services Inc. (ABAIS) agrees to lease 17,500 square feet on the top floor of a proposed 60,000-square-foot office building at the corner of Farnsleigh and Warrensville Center roads.

2014: In March, residents attend a Community Update Meeting to learn about road constructions, traffic changes, and development plans. In April, the publicly funded roadwork begins.

2013: In November, Dominion East Ohio replaces gas lines at the intersection. In December, RMS Corporation signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the City to make the first phase of the district redevelopment a reality.

2012: In February, full funding in the amount of $18.5M is achieved for the reconfiguration of the Warrensville/Van Aken intersection.